Does freshman year count when getting into college?

Hey everyone, I'm kinda lost here. I know every semester is important, but does freshman year factor into what colleges think of my application? Bit confused here, please help!

Absolutely, every year of your high school experience counts, including your freshman year. The grades you get in your freshman year can contribute to your cumulative GPA, which is a significant factor in your academic profile for college applications. However, there's also a concept referred to as an "upward trend", which means that colleges like to see improvement or consistent high performance over time—so, if you didn't do as well in your freshman year, but substantially improved in later years, colleges would certainly factor that into their considerations.

Colleges also consider the rigor of your course load, and while most students begin taking advanced courses like APs in their sophomore or junior years, your freshman year course load will still be considered within the context of what was available to you.

In terms of extracurricular activities, many colleges appreciate sustained involvement, so any activities you start as a freshman and continue throughout high school can demonstrate your commitment and leadership.

So, overall, your freshman year definitely matters. It sets the foundation for your high school career and can help shape your path to college. That being said, remember that colleges understand that people can change a lot during high school, and they will look for evidence of growth and improvement.